These are photos of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas entering a birthday party in NYC on January 17th. I saw these photos last week, but I guess I didn’t really look through them, because my only reaction was “meh.” However, the tabloids got out their magnifying glasses and decided that they spied a “bump” hidden within Catherine’s little black Herve Leger, and this week, there are several stories revolving around Catherine’s “miracle pregnancy” at… (cough cough) “42”. Yes, she’s holding at 42! That’s the real story, but here’s one version of the pregnant thing:

After years of trials and tribulations, the tide is finally turning for Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas as the couple prepare to welcome another child!

“Michael is giving Catherine her dream gift – another baby,” an insider tells Star. “He’s adamant about giving her the one thing she is truly desperate for.”

On Jan. 17, Catherine kept what appeared to some observers as her bumped-up belly under wraps. Many onlookers “are buzzing that she is pregnant… she’s absolutely glowing.”

“When things were at their darkest, they could only dream that a miracle like this could happen. Now Michael and Catherine feel as if they have a second lease on life. Michael may be an older man, but he feels like a kid again. And Catherine’s blues have gone away. She feels like she’s walking on sunshine!”

[From Star, print edition]

Et cetera. There’s more stuff about how Michael is totally “ready” for another baby, and if something bad happens with this bump of mystery (or if she isn’t really preggo), they’ll totally consider adopting.

As for these photos – the alleged photo evidence of Catherine’s “bump” – I can see where her stomach is not quite flat in these photos, but I don’t think that means “preggo!!!” If anything, I think she looks thinner than she usually looks. Although… the Enquirer used a different photo from this set, and Zeta’s bump definitely looked more pronounced. Still, I think it’s just a food-and-wine gut, not a baby bump. In any case, I don’t think “42” year old Catherine is interested in having another baby, and sources tell Gossip Cop the stories aren’t true anyway.

Photos courtesy of Fame, WENN.

Honestly, this week of Tom Cruise international red carpet appearances for Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol has been a true pleasure to cover, but now something even better has happened. That is, the first Rock of Ages trailer has debuted, and it’s even more painfully amusing than I’d hoped it would be. This is why Tom practiced ten hours per day, folks. This is why he butched it up in well-heeled boots. And this is why he rocked out on a balcony to universal cringes. In a way, it was all worth it for Tom, who writhes shirtless onstage as the “legendary” Stacee Jaxx and spews out “sex, hateful music, and … sex.” Really:

Tom seems really uninspired by signing that chick’s rack at the end of the trailer, right? Method acting. As for the rest of this mess, it’s entirely horrific but the movie might find a small to moderate audience who doesn’t mind watching Paul Giamatti and (gasp) Catherine Zeta-Jones debase themselves. As for Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin, however, they’re totally playing versions of their own personas, and Diego Bonita and Julianne Hough sure are pretty.

Now for some more fun with Tom’s plastic surgery face, which some of you doubted in yesterday’s photos of the MI4 Madrid premiere. Indeed, Tom is aging well from a physical standpoint, but his “refreshed” face isn’t merely the product of clean living and lucky genetics. He’s definitely had some very subtle work done by a skilled, highly-paid surgeon. While Tom looks pretty natural in the below photo (from the London premiere of MI4), just hold on tight because sh-t is about to get real in the aftermath.

Now, if there was ever any doubt whether or not Tom’s ever had a facelift (or two or three), check out this picture that Kaiser sent to me (on a bit of a red alert) with a nudge-wink about the strange fold of skin behind Tom’s ear. Indeed, that’s pretty damning evidence of a facelift (or two or three) and undoubtedly the reason why Tom’s been favoring turtlenecks lately:

Doesn’t Tom look like an alien televangelist in these photos? I keep expecting bolts to start popping out of his skin like Xenu Frankenstein or something.

Finally, here are Tom’s special lifts for the brisk London evening. They’re a lot more subtle than usual, aren’t they? Then again, he didn’t really pose next to anyone else on the red carpet this time around. Good plan, Tom.

Photos courtesy of WENN and AllMoviePhoto

Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas had a date night last night at a charity event to honor Michael’s dad, Kirk Douglas. Kirk is still kicking at 94, and from the looks of this photo below I might say he’s still checking out his daughter in-laws tatas, but he’s just hunched over and seems to be looking at Michael. It’s a funny photo either way.

Zeta-Jones wore this plunging long black v-neck sequin gown, which is similar in style to other dresses she’s worn to events this year. She loves long, elegant gowns and this look works well for her.

Here’s more on the event:

Catherine Zeta Jones turned on the charm tonight as she brought a splash of glamour to a charity gala in New York.

The 42-year-old actress looked immaculate in a form-fitting black gown as she took to the red carpet with husband Michael Douglas, 67, and his father Kirk, 94.

The trio were out in force for the Children At Heart Gala Dinner, hosted by the Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) charity.

Kirk was honoured at the event – and presented with an award by his son Michael, who is in recovery after battling throat cancer last year.
Actresses Dakota and Elle Fanning were also honoured in recognition of their support for the charity.

Elle, 13, also stepped into the spotlight at the event, posing on the red carpet with Michael and Catherine in an elegant pink dress.

[From The Daily Mail]

Elle Fanning looks super cute here, doesn’t she? I love that pink dress on her.

Both Catherine and Michael battled medical issues recently. Michael was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer last year, and announced that he was cancer free this January after undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Catherine sought treatment for bipolar disorder this spring, going public with her struggle and telling People magazine that “There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help.” Both of them look great here, and like they’re doing well. It’s so nice to see them out together, especially with Kirk! Kirk’s wife of 57 years, Anne Buydens, was also by his side at the event.

Photo credit: WENN and Fame

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas haven’t been doing many red carpet appearances ever since Catherine’s rehab stay in the Spring for her bipolar disorder. Which is fine – Catherine seemed like she needed some rest, and needed to be out of the spotlight for a while, and let’s face it, she’s not one of these up-and-coming starlets who can’t go a week without walking some red carpet, just because the starlet is terrified that everyone will forget about her. Zeta is a star, and she knows it. She can take time off and still be A-list.

So these are photos of Catherine and Michael at the LA benefit called “A Fine Romance”. The night benefited the Motion Picture and Television Fund, and lots of stars were out, including Anne Hathaway and Matthew Morrison. Zeta performed “Send in the Clowns” and she wore this silver-grey gown that I’m guessing is either Elie Saab or Versace – I’m leaning more towards Versace, just because of the “starburst” beading, which is common in Versace gowns. She looks great – it looks like she’s gained a little weight too, and it looks really good on her. Her boobs look bigger – but I‘ve been wondering for months now if Zeta didn‘t get a boob job. As for Zeta’s face… you know she’s “42” right? I don’t think she’s had any massive surgery, but I do think she’s had fillers put into her cheeks. And they look uneven too. Budget!

Photos courtesy of WENN.

This is like something from that Traffic movie that Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones starred in. It’s also giving me flashbacks to the awesome season of “Breaking Bad” that just finished. Michael Douglas’ son, Cameron, 32, from Douglas’ first marriage to Diandra Luker, is currently serving a five year sentence in federal prison on narcotics trafficking charges. He was basically shipping meth cross country and selling large quantities of it. (You can read more about his storied criminal history here.) Cameron’s sentence was apparently cut in half due to the fact that he testified against a Mexican drug dealer, who was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison as a result. Cameron is set to testify against yet another dealer later this month. Cameron could be put into protective custody in prison to protect him from retaliation, and there’s a real fear that Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones could be targeted. Even if the Enquirer is just jumping to conclusions here, they’re probably right.

Michael’s son Cameron, 32, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence on federal narcotics charges, was the government’s star witness in early October against one of his suppliers. The federal trial in Manhattan ended recently with a conviction.

Cameron, whose sentence was cut in half because of his cooperation, is set to return to the stand in late October for the trial of yet another dealer. Those close to his famous father fear the 67 year-old Oscar winner could be targeted by ruthless criminals in retaliation for Cameron’s testimony.

“Michael feels Cameron got what he deserves for possessing and dealing cocaine and crystal meth, but his pals are concerned that he will in the crosshairs of Cameron’s dealers,” a source who once worked for the family revealed. While Cameron may be placed in protective custody to prevent retaliation at the Lewisburg, PA prison where he’s serving his sentence, sources speculate that his family could be in grave danger.

“Since they are out in public, they could be hunted down,” maintained the source. “I think they’ll have to beef up security and hire bodyguards to keep an eye on them around the clock.”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, October 24, 2011]

The first dealer Cameron testified against was an illegal Mexican immigrant, hence the connection to the Mexican drug cartel. The source says “These are bad dudes with a lot of money and guns at their disposal. They will stop at nothing to seek revenge.” That’s scary as hell! Micheal and Catherine have dealt with creepy homicidal stalkers, they’ve dealt with mean ass taunting paparazzi, but they’ve never had to deal with drug dealers out for revenge. I hope they get some really good security.

Here’s Michael Douglas playing golf in Scotland and eating a hot dog on 9/29/11. I love those pics so much. Michael and Catherine are shown at the US Open on 9/10/11. Credit: WENN and Fame

Back in April, Catherine Zeta-Jones checked herself into some kind of psychiatric facility to treat her bipolar disorder. It seemed that the National Enquirer had gotten their hands on the information, and rather than just letting it come out that way, Catherine, Michael Douglas and their team released the “official” story to People Magazine. Since then, Catherine has filmed a movie (with Gerard Butler!) and been keeping a very low profile. These are new photos of Catherine and Michael preparing to get on their yacht, anchored in Saint Tropez. Apparently, they’re spending the summer on the yacht, sailing around Europe. Nice. Michael told reporters, “You’ve got to believe in heaven for perfect happiness but right now I will take warm seas the same temperature as the air, the freshest seafood, giggles from my kids and a Welsh chuckle.”

Quick question: are those new boobs on Catherine? They look new. And they look like bolt-ons, especially in this photo, below:

Right? Catherine has always had something in the boob department, but all of a sudden, they look much bigger. Perhaps while she was away working on her bipolar disorder, she decided to get some new boobs? Or will all of you claim that she’s had these boobs for years? I really don’t think she has. CB was looking through some older photos (like the one below), and she thinks Zeta might have gotten them perked up a bit, or maybe even had some tasteful implants put in.

From 2007:

Also: thoughts on the psychedelic pink caftan? I kind of like it. It wouldn’t work on Jennifer Love Hewitt, but on Zeta, it looks pretty good.

Photos courtesy of Fame.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and her bipolar disorder have taken the cover of this week’s People Magazine. I would imagine that this will likely be one of People’s best-selling issues, not just because big stars “in crisis” always sell, but because Catherine seems to be giving her story exclusively to People, and this cover story includes Catherine’s first interview since the announcement about her disorder. Here’s an excerpt:

When Catherine Zeta-Jones received a recent diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, a mental illness marked by prolonged periods of depression alternating with episodes of mild mania, she didn’t hesitate to step forward with the news.

“This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them,” the actress, 41, tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement in this week’s cover story. “If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help.”

In early April, the Oscar-winning wife of actor Michael Douglas, 66, and mom to son Dylan, 10, and daughter Carys, 8, checked in to Silver Hill Hospital, a mental-health facility in New Canaan, Conn.

Shaken by Douglas’s battle with throat cancer, Zeta-Jones was privately struggling, a friend says. As Douglas recovered, Zeta-Jones didn’t – and with her new movie, the romantic comedy Playing the Field, slated to start shooting in Louisiana, the actress realized she needed help in the face of mounting depression.

“The simple things would just seem overwhelming, like going out to dinner,” says the close friend. “There was just a little piece of her chipped away. It was hard to watch because I knew how hard she was trying.”

[From People]

I agree with everything being said here – there are millions of people with bipolar disorders, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and people should actively seek treatment. What does interest me, on a celebrity-gossip level, is the how, why and “why now?” of this. Catherine checked herself into a mental health facility a few weeks ago and stayed for less than a week, I believe. I also believe that Catherine wouldn’t have come out and aired her (admittedly private) business if it not for an exclusive scoop that the National Enquirer got last week – only the Enquirer’s story was about Catherine’s problems with drugs and alcohol, which admittedly could have been bipolar-related. While I do think that whatever she’s going through is private, and that she’s taking steps to handle it and be a responsible adult about the situation, I also think that there’s more to the story than what Catherine is handing to People Magazine.

Covers courtesy of CoverAwards, People. Additional pics by WENN.

Yesterday, many of us were stunned at the news that Catherine Zeta Jones is bipolar, and that she was being treated for the disorder at a mental health clinic. I said yesterday that I hadn’t heard a whiff of anything regarding Zeta, but some of you reminded me that I had, in fact, heard a few stories. Nothing too bad, and nothing that I didn’t explain away at the time as simple “Oh, she’s on vacation” or “She must be tired.” But yes, over the past year, we’ve had lots of photos of Catherine chain-smoking and looking pretty drunk and out-of-it, and yes, looking back on some of the stories of her being “tired” and “out of it” were probably bipolar-related. Anyway, People Magazine – who broke the story – has another article up about Zeta and Michael:

Walking the red carpet at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art this week, Michael Douglas was feeling grateful for all the well wishes he’d received from friends and fans as he battled cancer.

“I feel great!” the actor, 66, told PEOPLE at Tuesday night’s event to celebrate Carnegie Hall’s 120th anniversary. “I feel a tremendous amount of support from so many people.”

Absent from the event was his biggest supporter: wife Catherine Zeta-Jones. Hours later, it was revealed that she has quietly sought healing of her own. Her rep says the actress recently checked into a facility for a few days to treat her bipolar II disorder.

The revelation was surprising to many, not least because the Oscar-winning actress and mom-of-two stayed steadfastly positive in public while sticking by Douglas’s side through a grueling six-month battle with cancer.

But behind the scenes, those close to the actress say she felt the strain. Her rep acknowledged the timing of Zeta-Jones, 41, seeking treatment was in part connected to “the stress of the past year.”

Adds a friend, “Catherine has had to deal with Michael’s illness, and that’s been hard.”

A Famous Example

In sharing her experience, the actress put a very public face on a mental illness experienced by millions. The key indicator of bipolar II, experts say, is a cycle of high and low moods, often with episodes of depression.

Zeta-Jones herself has described her bouts with melancholy, telling The Sunday Times in the U.K. that “I’m lucky. … But that’s not to say I don’t get down on myself. I try and stay positive, being negative isn’t good for my personality. I don’t just bring myself down, I bring everyone around me down. It’s like a dark cloud, ‘Uh oh, here we go’, and I have to snap out of it.”

Dr. David Miklowitz, professor of psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine, says stress “definitely can play a role” in triggering depression or what doctors call hypomania, short periods of mild manias.

“Certain life events, changes, particularly those that affect the sleep cycle, can trigger symptoms,” says Miklowitz. “An event like a loss experience or family conflict can be a cause or a trigger of bipolar episodes.”

Carrie Fisher

Another celebrity knows the feeling. Carrie Fisher, who has laid bare own battles with weight, drugs and alcohol, and also revealed that several years ago she was diagnosed with bipolar II, has described the challenges of the mood swings that come with it.

“A manic phase is not predictable,” Fisher has said, according to USA Today. “The last time, I hacked off my hair, got a tattoo, and wanted to convert to Judaism.”

Perhaps most important, though, is that sufferers can – and many do – manage the disorder effectively, many times with various medications. Now that she’s checked out of treatment, Zeta-Jones can get back to her everyday life – being an actress. She has two new movies coming up, including Playing the Field, currently in production in Louisiana with Gerard Butler and Jessica Biel, and Lay the Favorite.

Adds the friend, Zeta-Jones’s decision to seek treatment was a positive step that will allow her to perform at the best of her ability.

“She went in for a few days because she’s about to start working, and to make sure she’s in top form,” says the friend, “which she is.”

[From People]

Um… Catherine Zeta-Jones is in Playing the Field? With Gerard Butler?!? I’m calling it: Gerard Butler instigated this current breakdown, probably after he and Zeta had some kind of torrid one night stand. My theory is solid. (Except I don’t think they’ve worked together yet, but nevermind!)

A note about the photos on this post and yesterday’s: I swear to God, I’m not trying to be mean, I’m just using some of the most recent photos we have of Catherine. Her eyes take on a different meaning in retrospect.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

Shocking news: Catherine Zeta Jones is bipolar. Did anyone else know that? I didn’t. Zeta’s rep just confirmed to People Magazine that CZJ has checked herself into a “mental health facility” to treat her “bipolar II disorder”. Apparently, the stress of the past year – with Michael Douglas’s cancer fight and all – triggered something in Catherine:

Catherine Zeta-Jones, who has been by husband Michael Douglas’s side during his cancer fight, has sought mental health treatment for herself, her rep says.

“After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her bipolar II disorder,” the rep says in a statement. “She’s feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week on her two upcoming films.”

Zeta-Jones, 41, spent about five days in the unidentified facility, a friend tells PEOPLE.

“There’s no question it’s been a stressful year,” the friend says. “Catherine has had deal with Michael’s illness and that’s been hard. She went in for a few days because she’s about to start working, and wanted to make sure she’s in top form, which she is.”

Douglas, 66, announced in January he was declared free of cancer after what he called a “wild six-month ride” of chemotherapy and radiation for a tumor on his tongue.

[From People]

From a PR standpoint, this is very well executed. The news is stunning because I’m not aware of even a whiff of this kind of thing around Catherine, and it’s not like she’s had any kind of public meltdown or scandals lately or ever. It seems like a situation where Catherine wasn’t doing very well in private, and she and her family simply took time out to acknowledge the problem and help her get treatment. In other words, everyone is behaving in everybody’s best interests and Catherine is going to get the best help money can buy, and all will be well. Good for them!

Photos courtesy of WENN.

These are newish photos of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas from Friday night. They were headed out for a black-tie affair for The Welsh Society of New York. Because Zeta is Welsh, remember? I forget sometimes, because she just seems to have taken to this image of old-money New York so well. Seriously, though, Michael looks great, and he’s healthy and they’re back to going to events together. Also – do my eyes deceive me, or has Zeta put on some weight, especially in the hip-area? It looks good on her.

Michael Douglas looked amazingly strong and healthy as he and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones stepped out in New York Friday night. Zeta-Jones was the guest of honor at a party held by The Welsh Society Of New York at the Yale Club.

The 41-year-old star was awarded the Hopkins bronze medal for lifetime achievement in film at the St. David’s day event just one week after receiving a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) at Buckingham Palace from Prince Charles.

Catherine flaunted her curves in a glamorous black gown with silver detailing which she paired with a white fur coat.

Proudly supporting her was Michael, 66, who revealed in January he’is in remission for stage four throat cancer after months of intensive treatment. The romantic pair held hands as they left the lavish event.

[From Radar]

41! Hahaha. Sure. She’s 41. God bless. Anyway, Zeta’s award was for her “worldwide stature in the film and theatre industries, her unstinting pride in Wales, her generosity in support of Welsh causes and her role as an ambassador for Wales in the United States of America.” In her acceptance speech, Catherine said: “It means a lot to come home with my family and to be honoured in this way – very emotional, rather nervous I must say, and it was worth (it) to have Michael in good health to be able to enjoy it (with me).”

On, and her coat is real fur. Because Zeta will cut you if you say anything about her fur.

Photos courtesy of Fame.